L.A. mayoral candidates Eric Garcetti, Kevin James, Jan Perry and Emanuel Pleitez, Feb. 12, 2013 (Creative Commons).

According to the 2011 U.S. Census and LA Observed, the population of Los Angeles is over 3.8 million with White/Caucasian making up 71 percent, Hispanic/Latino 26 percent and Black/African-American accounting for around 9.3 percent of the population. Although African-Americans make up a lower percentage of the population, their vote is key to who will become mayor.

According to L.A. Focus, the black vote has been vital in all Los Angeles elections since 1969. Dr. Raphael Sonenshein, author of “Politics in Black and White: Race and Power in Los Angeles," told L.A. Focus: 

“[The black vote] is actually pretty important in L.A. elections, going back to when Tom Bradley first ran for mayor in 1969,” said Sonenshein. “With 10 percent of the population, African-Americans still cast 12-13 percent of the votes, but because there tends to be a history of agreeing on a candidate, it becomes quite important because not all communities are unified or likely to vote in high numbers.”

Although many have suggested that 9th District Councilwoman and mayoral candidate Jan Perry will win the black vote - projecting 51 percent - the other mayoral candidates are confident their backgrounds will help to secure these important votes in the coming election. For candidate Wendy Greuel, her relationships may help sway voters who have become familiar with Perry.

As of Jan. 13, a USA survey poll showed Eric Garcetti in front with a potential 26 percent of votes with Greuel and Perry close behind with 18 percent and 12 percent respectively. However, a second poll notes that even with Garcetti in the lead, there is a huge amount of undecided voters.

A poll released Sunday by USC's Price School of Public Policy put Greuel and Garcetti in the top two spots for candidacy with 25 percent and 27 percent of votes, respectively. Perry held 14 percent of votes, Kevin James garnering 14 percent, and Emanuel Pleitez holding on to 5 percent of the vote. The poll also reflected a high percentage of potential shift in voter's candidate decision prior to Tuesday's electoion. 

As the race nears its end the entering candidate will face a host of issues including a $200 million budget shortfall, unemployment and business development throughout the city. They've taken to the stage throughout Los Angeles increasingly over the past month, including a visit to the University of Southern California for the Empowerment Conference with multiple forums and debates at local high schools and universities across the city.  

As candidates finish making connections with the community, residents, as well as political leaders, in Southern California are speaking out about who is best to lead the city over the next four years. 

Longtime Los Angeles resident Shareef Asadullah said the African-American vote will be crucial in the upcoming election.

"This is a local election and it takes very few votes to swing it," Asadullah said. "Since the African-American population is shrinking, our representation at the polls will be vital to our future as residents in the community.

"Although candidates come from various backgrounds, Jan Perry is from the Los Angeles community and has accomplished a lot for the community of Los Angeles. However, endorsements and the ability to advertise can determine the election and it will be interesting to see how Los Angeles votes next week."

Although all votes in this election will count, it will be a race to the finish to see who secures the black vote and the election. The primary election is March 5, with a runoff on May 21 for the top two finishers if a candidate isn’t selected with the majority vote on March 5. The new mayor will be sworn in in July.

Read Neon Tommy Coverage on the African-American vote here.

Read Neon Tommy’s Coverage on the 2013 Mayoral Race here. 

Reach Staff Reporter Jacqueline Jackson here.